With early morn Lee hastened on his course.
How beauteous was the day! No sign of Nature
Gave token of the strange preceding night.
Perchance it was himself, his weary frame,
His morbid mind, his subtle fantasies
Weaving his thoughts round Calvary's ancient scenes.
But now 'twas day, earth's bright inspiring day,
Sweet with the odors of the peach-tree blooms
And all the delicate sorceries of the Spring.
He would hold revel with the happy birds
Greeting his every step with matin songs.
He would breathe deep the freshening air of morn
And fill his heart with sunshine off the hills.
How beauteous was the day, and earth, and God!
Good Friday ended he would enter in
Where Heaven's awaiting Easter Angels thronged
Round the still Form to chant with holy joy
Above their King triumphant, " He is risen! "

Before him Richmond's roofs and spires arose,
Though charred and blackened by the recent flames.
Above the Capitol Old Glory waved.
He saw it and was glad and greeted it.
He crossed the river past the bridges wrecked,
And rode along the streets o'er ashen waste
Beneath his horse's feet at every turn.
The people soon discerned him, crowded round,
And greeted him as 'twere a conquerer
And not a vanquished captain on parole.
In earlier days, when he was in their midst,
They counted him their certain watch and ward.
So now they felt again, as he passed by,
The sense of safety from a father's presence.

Onward he rode, returning graciously
Their greetings, but with solemn gravity,
Signet of care and sorrow. Soon he reached
A portal that had waited open wide
For the home's lover-lord and loving head
To take his vacant throne of tenderness.
Softly the door closed on him and the scene
Which only angel sentinels beheld.